East Harlem

East Harlem (which begins at 97th Street, ends at 125th Street and is bordered to the west by Fifth Avenue and to the east by the FDR Drive) is one of Manhattan’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. Over the decades it has witnessed inflows of emigrants from Italy, the Spanish speaking world and most recently China. Once a strictly working class neighborhood, the area has recently seen a wave of young professionals and more affluent families who have been lured by affordable co-ops and amenity laden new condos, as well as quick access to the rest of Manhattan. Formerly a retail wasteland, new and sophisticated establishments... [more]

East Harlem (which begins at 97th Street, ends at 125th Street and is bordered to the west by Fifth Avenue and to the east by the FDR Drive) is one of Manhattan’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. Over the decades it has witnessed inflows of emigrants from Italy, the Spanish speaking world and most recently China. Once a strictly working class neighborhood, the area has recently seen a wave of young professionals and more affluent families who have been lured by affordable co-ops and amenity laden new condos, as well as quick access to the rest of Manhattan.
Formerly a retail wasteland, new and sophisticated establishments are opening at an increasing rate. Gourmands wishing to tempt their taste buds have their choice of bistros, hip steak houses, Italian wine bars and multiple Latin establishments. Higher end French boulangeries and other artisanal shops have become staples for foodies over recent years. Finally, anyone missing the suburbs can get their fix at East River Plaza which is home to Manhattan’s only Costco as well as Target, Best Buy and PetSmart among others.
It would be difficult to find a neighborhood in Manhattan with more public transportation options. In addition to the Lexington Avenue subway line, there is nearby access to Metro-North as well as multiple bus lines. The much anticipated Second Avenue subway will provide East Harlem residents with transportation to points both east and west. East Harlem also boasts the closest proximity to LaGuardia Airport of any Manhattan neighborhood.
East Harlem is home to various well-regarded public and parochial schools including Central Park East I & II and St. Paul School. In addition, the nationally acclaimed all boys, private school, St. Bernard’s, is located at the southern end of the neighborhood at 98th Street. In response to the influx of new families, the area has also seen an increase in charter schools including two branches of the Success Academies. Parents with young children also benefit from having legendary Central Park and Marcus Garvey Park to the west and Jefferson Park to the east.
While still a good value compared to other, more established neighborhoods, prices have been on the rise as noted recently by StreetEasy ‘s own research which revealed that East Harlem had the highest year over year increase in price (52%) of any neighborhood in Manhattan.
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